Fast-and-easy Linux

Want to resurrect an old PC that's collecting dust? Wish you could insta-boot your laptop or netbook for a quick peek at your e-mail or a Web page? Presto promises exactly that kind of convenience.

It's a compact, fast-loading Linux OS that installs in Windows XP or Vista (no pesky boot CDs to burn) and runs alongside it. Tthe installer adds a dual-boot menu to your system, so you can pick which OS to run at startup.

In other words, Presto gives you the fruits of Linux without the usual hassles. I've been test-driving the OS for the past couple weeks, and I'm seriously impressed. It has its limitations, but it definitely succeeds in delivering the most accessible Linux OS ever--and perhaps the fastest. I installed it on a two-year-old Acer laptop, which takes a good 2 minutes to boot Windows Vista. Time to boot Presto: under 20 seconds.

The OS comes preloaded with some basic apps, including Firefox, OpenOffice, Skype, and the IM client Pidgin, but you can add loads more.

So, what's not to like? The price. Granted, Presto's US$20 license fee won't break anybody's bank, but it feels a bit like sacrilege to pay for Linux--especially considering how many free variants are out there.

Still, I highly recommend taking Presto for a spin, which you can do for a seven-day trial period. It's incredibly easy to install and totally noninvasive: Uninstalling it is as easy as uninstalling any Windows program.

Getting Started

Presto is ideal for old PCs, low-powered netbooks, and slow-booting laptops. On a pokey desktop replacement, for instance, Presto loads in just under 20 seconds. I also installed it on an Acer Aspire One netbook. Boot time: 13 seconds. Shutdown time: 2 seconds. Beat that, Windows 7.

Want to try it yourself? I know Linux may seem strange and scary, but trust me: Presto is as easy to install (and uninstall) as any program, and it doesn't require you to partition your hard drive or burn a CD. Here's how to get started:

Start Windows, download Presto (it's a big file, so it may take a while), then double-click the file to start the installation. When it's done, reboot your PC. Watch for a new boot-screen menu that gives you a choice of operating systems to run. Choose Xandros Presto. (If you don't make a choice, Windows will start after 30 seconds.) Presto may load a bit slowly the first time out (by which I mean 30-45 seconds instead of 15-20), as it has to perform a few one-time configurations, but it should be much faster on subsequent boots. The OS should automatically detect your Wi-Fi adapter and any nearby networks. To connect to one, click the small network icon near the bottom of the toolbar (you can mouse over any icon for a description), then choose the network you want.

Now you're all set to get online. From top to middle, the Presto toolbar apps are as follows: Firefox, Pidgin, Skype, File Manager, and the Application Store, where you can download hundreds of additional programs and access two other preinstalled apps: OpenOffice and RealPlayer. As in Windows, you can cycle between open applications by pressing Alt-Tab.

To shut down or restart your PC, click the big green power button.

Making the Most of Presto

For starters, anyone accustomed to Windows will notice that there's no taskbar. So, how do you switch between running programs (or just see what programs are running)?

You have two options. First, you can hold down the Alt key and tap Tab to cycle between open apps, Windows-style. Second, you can click the Windows List icon in the toolbar--it resides just above the green power button.

Want to install new software? Click Application Store in the toolbar, then click the eponymous icon in the window that appears. Here you can find GIMP, Picasa, Thunderbird, and countless other programs--almost all of them free. To install anything, just click the corresponding green Install button.

Presto can import bookmarks from your Windows version of Firefox: Just click the little Settings icon in the toolbar (just above the clock), then choose Import Bookmarks. However, I think you're better off installing Xmarks, which seamlessly syncs your bookmarks across all your Firefox installations.

Speaking of settings, you may notice that Presto offers precious few. Power users can access a more complete control panel as follows:

Press Ctrl-Alt-T to bring up Presto's DOS-like terminal window. Type xfce4-settings-manager, then press Enter. Click the system setting you want to adjust.

The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.

My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.

Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of IDG Communications is prohibited. Copyright 2013 IDG Communications.
ABN 14 001 592 650. All rights reserved.

Contact Us

With over 25 years of brand awareness and credibility, Good Gear Guide (formerly PC World Australia), consistently delivers editorial excellence through award-winning content and trusted product reviews.